MEPs report violence, intimidation in Nigeria poll

The European Parliament is shortly expected to condemn the way the general election in Nigeria has been conducted, based on a report drawn up by MEP John Attard Montalto.

Dr Attard Montalto was appointed chairman of the Parliament's Election Observation Delegation for the first round of elections in Nigeria held on April 14.

His report shows polling stations were opened late and in some areas violence and intimidation were rife.

For many Nigerians, the outcome of the April 14 election for governors and state legislatures was as important as the presidential poll held last Saturday, in which government party candidate Umaru Yar'Adua was declared a landslide winner.

The April 14 election had already given Mr Yar'Adua's ruling People's Democratic party control over 27 of Nigeria's 36 states.

Foreign and domestic observers and the US government are branding the elections as "deeply flawed" and opposition leaders have called for them to be annulled. The elections were intended to lead to Nigeria's first successful transfer of power from one elected leader to another in a history plagued with military coups.

The European Parliament delegation, which included MEPs Libor Roucek and Toomas Savi, monitored elections in Nassarawa and Lagos.

In one of the polling stations in Nassarawa, the delegation noted that the number of votes cast was less than half of the number of votes registered. As the votes are counted at the polling stations, the delegation could monitor the whole process.

Speaking to The Times on his return from Nigeria, Dr Attard Montalto said he was impressed by the determination of the Nigerian people who appreciated the importance of their right to cast their vote. "It was evident from the beginning that the Electoral Commission, known as INEC, was unable to organise an efficient election on such a large scale. In contrast, those Nigerians who managed to vote showed great courage and enthusiasm.

"In those stations where I was present for the counting of votes, it was apparent that the party in government, PDP, was placing second. The following day when the election results were declared it came as a surprise that the ruling party had won 33 states and lost only three. This once again sparked widespread demonstrations across the whole country resulting in more deaths," he said.

Asked to comment about the violent environment, Dr Attard Montalto said Nigeria was a dangerous country.

"In one instance in the oil-rich Delta states, a police station was attacked and the six policemen on duty were massacred. On election day, it was estimated that about 50 people died. I am not in a position to confirm this figure but, from what I experienced, I would not be surprised if the figure was much higher," he said.

He said an official statement will be issued by his delegation soon.